New London-NFA In Running For Top Football Rivalry In Nation

Think the rivalry between New London High School and Norwich Free Academy is one of the best in the country? Here's your chance to win recognition for the annual showdown as well as a bit of cash for the Whalers' athletic department.

The New London-NFA football rivalry was selected as the best one in Connecticut in the first round of the contest, which USA Today is running. Voting continues for the best rivalry in each region, with a nationwide winner selected after the conclusion of voting on Dec. 19.

Voting for the best regional rivalry will continue until 11 a.m. on Wednesday. People may vote as many times as they like.

The winning rivals will receive a $10,000 prize to be split evenly between the schools' athletic departments. USA Today will also attend the 2013 game to report it live and present the winner with a trophy, which will be held by the winner of each year's game in ensuing years.

The first round of voting identified three rivalries in each state as well as the District of Columbia, with the 51 winning rivalries advancing to the regionals. The winners in the four regional polls will advance to the national one. The New London-NFA rivalry is facing off against the top rivalries from Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.

The New London-NFA football game takes place each year on Thanksgiving and is considered the oldest high school football rivalry in the United States, dating back to 1875. This year's game ended the Whalers' hopes for a tournament spot as NFA won 28-7.

To cast a vote in the contest, go to this site.

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